The Northwest District, headquartered in Pensacola with branch offices in Tallahassee and Panama City, provides environmental permitting assistance, emergency response and environmental education outreach in 16 counties in the Florida Panhandle. Famous for its stunning sugar-white beaches and beautiful emerald waters, Florida’s Panhandle attracts visitors from all over the world. The region is home to many freshwater and saltwater fishing spots as well as the source of the famed Apalachicola Bay oysters. Northwest Florida’s diverse landscape is also filled with natural springs, unique hardwood forests and fresh water rivers.

Meet the Director

Shawn Hamilton joined the Department of Environmental Protection in 2007 and has served as Northwest District Director since 2011. He is responsible for environmental permitting, compliance, emergency response and environmental education for DEP’s regulatory programs within the 16 counties of the Florida Panhandle. Shawn is a graduate of Troy State University and, before joining DEP, was Director of Business Operations for CTS - America in Pensacola, and he served as an Advanced Systems Engineer for EDS in Montgomery, Alabama. Shawn is a U.S. Air Force combat veteran.

About DEP

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.